I recently purchased a slide of Wabash 2-6-0 number 576. The slide is labeled "Decatur, IL 1973." I don't think this is correct because a book I have on Wabash steam says the 576 was scrapped before 1960 and 573 is the only survivor. Was the 573 temporarily numbered 576 for historical purposes at one point, and has it ever left the museum in St. Louis after being donated?

Well, this photo with its caption, from the files of Trains, says why.

Quote:

Wabash Railroad 2-6-0 576 eases its train across the Illinois River at Meredosia, Ill., in September 1954. The branch between Bluffs, Ill., and Keokuk, Ia., was the last stand of Wabash steam, as the 1899-vintage F4 Moguls were the heaviest power permitted across it.Philip R. Hastings photo

The Wabash "cured" the restricted bridge by abandoning it and severing the branch into two sections, thus allowing the retirement of the last two active steamers on its roster.

Two other preservation nuggets in that ball of yarn has to do with that power plant in the background of the Phil Hastings photo. Working at that Power Plant is New York Central 0-6-0 #6721 and a Porter saddle tanker, both of which were donated to Mid-Continent Railway Museum. The Porter was later sold to the Crab Orchard & Egyptian, but now resides in Jackson, Mo.The #6721 was sold to National Cash Register's Carillon Park in Dayton, Ohio in 1980, but now sits badly damaged by a run-away hopper at the Utica New York Amtrak station.

DWH

Post subject: Re: Wabash 576

Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 11:29 am

Joined: Thu Sep 14, 2017 4:38 pmPosts: 37

DRS.GPBensman wrote:

Two other preservation nuggets in that ball of yarn has to do with that power plant in the background of the Phil Hastings photo. Working at that Power Plant is New York Central 0-6-0 #6721 and a Porter saddle tanker, both of which were donated to Mid-Continent Railway Museum. The Porter was later sold to the Crab Orchard & Egyptian, but now resides in Jackson, Mo.The #6721 was sold to National Cash Register's Carillon Park in Dayton, Ohio in 1980, but now sits badly damaged by a run-away hopper at the Utica New York Amtrak station.

I was recently driving near Utica and thought about that very damaged engine. I wish I had time to stop and go see it. I am sorry to hear that it is still damaged.

Richard Glueck

Post subject: Re: Wabash 576

Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:05 pm

Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2004 11:26 amPosts: 4021Location: Maine

The pieces have been gathered, but the damage to the locomotive and the tender frame, draw bar, pilot, etc., make her look really sad. This wreck never should have happened, and the kid(s) who started the whole series of events in motion, should have been held accountable. My understanding about the delay in getting her into a shop is how much the insurer is willing to shell out for what kind of restoration.

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